Navigating the Solo Journey of Internal Communications: Insights from Emily Hecker
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Emily Hecker, a seasoned internal communications expert and author of the groundbreaking book, “Me, Myself, and IC.” Our conversation delved into the unique challenges and strategies for those flying solo in the internal communications landscape.
If you find value in our podcast and wish to support us, consider purchasing Emily’s book through the affiliate link provided in the show notes. This will help keep the show advertisement-free and support future interviews and podcast software. Rest assured, Emily will receive the full retail value of the book, while we receive a small commission from Amazon.
Buy the book: https://bit.ly/emilyhecker
Building Credibility from the Ground Up
Emily’s journey as a one-person team taught her the critical importance of establishing credibility within an organisation. She shared how resourcefulness and a clear vision can lay a strong foundation for success. Her book is a roadmap for internal communicators, whether they’re just starting or looking to revitalise their approach.
The Six Pillars of Solo Success
Emily has structured her book into six pivotal sections, each addressing a core aspect of internal communications:
- Foundation: Begin with an internal communication audit to understand the current state and effectiveness of your strategies.
- Taking the Show on the Road: Position yourself as both a spokesperson and a salesperson, justifying the function’s existence and value.
- Keeping the Lights On: Balance tactical and strategic responsibilities while avoiding burnout.
- Mindset: Cultivate resilience and positivity to thrive in a high-responsibility role.
- Measurement: Consistently measure the impact of your efforts and use data to advocate for resources.
- Looking Ahead: Plan for the future, focusing on professional development and growth.
The Art of Proactive Partnership
In our discussion, Emily emphasised the importance of understanding one’s value within an organisation. She connected internal communications to tangible outcomes like employee productivity and job satisfaction, which contribute to retention and cultural strength.
Tackling Real vs. Fake Fires
A significant insight from Emily was the differentiation between real and fake fires. Real fires are unforeseen challenges, while fake fires often arise from a lack of education or proactive planning. She stressed the importance of education and proactive partnership to prevent unnecessary crises.
The Power of Mindset and Community
Understanding your personal “why” can be a powerful motivator, according to Emily. She also highlighted the value of a support network and the benefits of tapping into communities within the internal comms profession.
Measuring Beyond Metrics
Emily discussed the need to look beyond routine metrics and assess progress towards the broader vision of internal comms. She recommended conducting an effectiveness audit to gauge personal progress and impact.
Deciding When to Move On
Our conversation also touched on recognising when you’ve maximised your role’s potential and when it’s time to seek new challenges. Emily shared her thoughts on the signs that indicate whether to stay or move on.
Emily’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Emily expressed her desire to create content around job searches for internal comms roles and to coach organisations on hiring for this crucial function. She hinted at a potential future book focused on these topics.
In conclusion, my conversation with Emily Hecker was a treasure trove of insights for anyone in the field of internal communications, especially those managing the function solo. Her book, “Me, Myself, and IC,” is not just a guide but a companion for the journey, offering practical advice and strategies to elevate your role and the entire internal communications function within your organisation.
Stay tuned for more episodes where we dive into the intricacies of various professional landscapes and bring you the wisdom of industry experts.
Supporting the Podcast
If you find value in our podcast and wish to support us, consider purchasing Emily’s book through the affiliate link provided in the show notes. This will help keep the show advertisement-free and support future interviews and podcast software. Rest assured, Emily will receive the full retail value of the book, while we receive a small commission from Amazon.
Buy the book: https://bit.ly/emilyhecker
Guest profile
Emily Hecker is a writer, entrepreneur, and certified Communication Management Professional with over 10 years of experience transforming communication strategies in various industries. She helps organisations revolutionise their approach to internal communication, tailoring communication solutions to drive results. Emily is also the author of ‘Me, Myself, and IC: A Guide to Building Internal Communication as a Team of One,’ a comprehensive guide that empowers solo internal communication professionals with practical strategies to establish a strong foundation and achieve success.
Episode links
Link to a relevant episode of the podcast: https://thebigpicturepeople.co.uk/blog/podcast/a-place-at-the-table-for-internal-comms-s2-e24/
Connect with Emily Hecker
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhecker/
Website: https://www.emily-hecker.com